February 26, 2013 - Formal charges have been filed in Ramsey County District Court on allegations that Saint Paul and Spooner, WI resident Linda A. Brost committed a litany of offenses, including insurance fraud, theft by swindle, aggravated forgery, and identity theft. This morning, the Department of Commerce Insurance Fraud Division, assisted by the St. Paul Police Department, Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office and Washburn County (WI) Sheriff’s Office, executed search warrants at Brost’s St. Paul and Spooner, Wisconsin residences.

February 19, 2013 - SAINT PAUL, MN – The Minnesota Department of Commerce announced today that Minnesota consumers may qualify for a refund if they purchased travel insurance from Virginia Surety Company (VSC), or one of its contracted agencies, between January 1, 2007 and October 31, 2012. The announcement came after the Minnesota Department of Commerce and the Missouri Department of Insurance issued a joint consent order alleging that VSC routinely required consumers to affirmatively “opt-out” of purchasing premium travel insurance packages, violating numerous state laws and regulations.

February 12, 2013 - SAINT PAUL, MN – Spring Break is fast approaching and countless Minnesotans are searching for a fun and, more importantly, warm destination. These days, all it takes to book your dream Spring Break vacation is a travel website and a few clicks of the mouse. As you shop online, the Minnesota Department of Commerce reminds consumers to watch out for travel companies and websites that don’t fully advertise their travel insurance packages and sometimes sign consumers up for coverage without proper consent.

February 11, 2013 - SAINT PAUL, MN –To raise awareness, the Minnesota Department of Commerce is highlighting Insurance Fraud Awareness Week, February 11-15, 2013. Insurance fraud costs an average family about $950 a year, and insurance companies and consumers across the United States an estimated $80 billion a year, according to the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud.

February 04, 2013 - SAINT PAUL, MN – Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman announced a recent change to the Minnesota Department of Commerce leadership team. “I am pleased to announce the promotion of Tim Vande Hey to Deputy Commissioner of the Insurance Division for the Commerce Department,” said Commissioner Mike Rothman. “With his extensive experience in insurance regulation - from mergers and acquisitions, to examinations, liquidations, and rehabilitations – Tim’s leadership at the Commerce Department is an asset to Minnesota consumers and the insurance industry.”

January 25, 2013 - David Norman Juntunen, 40, of Minneapolis was arrested Wednesday following a 10-month investigation by the Minnesota Department of Commerce and the Minneapolis Park Police. Juntunen is the owner of Top Gear Autoworks in Minneapolis, which repairs and stores high-end luxury and sports cars. Pamela Jean Dupont, 41, of Minneapolis was also charged with insurance fraud and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

December 14, 2012 - SAINT PAUL, MN – As the Nationwide data breach reaches approximately 1.1 million affected consumers across the country including 98,191 Minnesotans, the Minnesota Department of Commerce reminds Minnesotans the need to take the necessary steps to protect themselves from becoming victims of identity theft.

December 04, 2012 - SAINT PAUL, MN – 91.1 million Americans plan to travel this holiday season. Those who plan to travel via plane will be presented with the option to buy travel insurance upon the purchase of their airfare. Many consumers do not know whether travel insurance fits their budget or their travel needs. The Minnesota Department of Commerce urges travelers to understand what travel insurance is, what it actually covers, and what conditions to watch out for.

November 26, 2012 - ST. PAUL, MN – Commissioner Mike Rothman announced that a Regulatory Settlement Agreement has been entered into with National Union Fire Insurance Company (NUFIC), an AIG Company.

November 21, 2012 - SAINT PAUL, MN – With Medicare open enrollment underway, the Minnesota Department of Commerce has taken steps to protect Minnesota seniors from unlawful sales and marketing practices. In partnership with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, undercover Commerce investigators are being deployed across the state to attend Medicare workshops and public events to ensure insurance companies and agents are in compliance with laws and regulations.